Can ESD deny benefits if I refuse a job with 2.5 hour one-way commute?

Yes, you CAN refuse a job that requires an unreasonable commute without losing your UI benefits! Under ESD rules, you're not required to accept work if the distance or travel time is unreasonable compared to the local labor market standard. A 2.5 hour ONE-WAY commute is definitely considered unreasonable by most standards. If you turn down the job, make sure to document your reason clearly when you file your weekly claim. Note the exact distance, travel time, and why it's impractical (5 hours daily commute, family obligations, etc.). ESD may follow up for more details, so keep your documentation handy. Also, keep actively looking for suitable work within a reasonable distance from your home to meet your job search requirements (3 activities per week).

i got denied benefits once for turning down a job that was only 35 miles away so be careful. they said i should have accepted it and moved if needed.

ESD put me through HELL for something similar!!! I declined a job that was about 70 miles away (would've been almost 2 hrs with traffic) and they put my benefits on hold for WEEKS while they "investigated" if I had good cause. I had to deal with an adjudicator and everything!!! They eventually ruled in my favor but it took over a month with no benefits during that time. I couldnt get ANYONE on the phone no matter how many times I called!!!!! SO FRUSTRATING!!!!

Just wanted to share the actual rule on this! According to WAC 192-150-112, you can refuse work if "The distance to the job site from your residence is greater than a reasonable commute that is customary in your labor market area." 2.5 hours each way is definitely beyond reasonable in any part of Washington! Make sure you explain this clearly when you fill out your weekly claim.

My cousin works for ESD (not speaking officially) and she says they typically consider 1 hour each way as the maximum reasonable commute in most parts of Washington. Anything beyond that is usually considered good cause to refuse, especially if you have family obligations that would be impacted. But document EVERYTHING when you decline.

i thought as long as you're actively looking for work in your area it doesn't matter if you turn down a specific job? ive been on unemployment twice and never had to accept specific job offers they sent me, just had to do my 3 job search activities every week

Thanks everyone for the helpful information! I just got off the phone with the potential employer and politely explained that I couldn't accept the position due to the commute distance. They were understanding. I've documented everything carefully - the exact distance (92 miles each way), estimated commute time (2.5 hours minimum each way), and why it would create undue hardship (family obligations, childcare constraints, fuel costs, vehicle wear and tear, etc.). I'm going to include all this information when I file my weekly claim and reference WAC 192-150-112. Fingers crossed that ESD agrees this is unreasonable! I'll update once I hear anything from them.

You handled this perfectly, Molly! 92 miles each way is absolutely unreasonable by any standard. I went through something similar about 8 months ago - ESD referred me to a job that was 85 miles away and I was terrified to decline it. But I documented everything just like you did and referenced the same WAC code. They approved my refusal within about 10 days without even putting my claim on hold. The key things you did right: 1) You were polite with the employer, 2) You have specific documentation with exact distances and times, 3) You explained the hardship clearly, and 4) You cited the relevant regulation. That's exactly what ESD wants to see. One tip - when you file your weekly claim and they ask about refusing work, be very detailed in that text box. Don't just say "commute too far" - include the mileage, time, and reference to WAC 192-150-112. The more specific you are upfront, the less likely they'll need to investigate further.

I'm in a very similar situation right now - just got referred to a job that's 78 miles away and would take me about 2.5 hours with Seattle traffic! This thread has been incredibly helpful. I was panicking thinking I'd have to choose between accepting an impossible commute or losing my benefits. Reading about WAC 192-150-112 and seeing everyone's experiences gives me confidence that I can decline this referral without penalty. It's crazy that they even suggest jobs that far away - do they not consider basic geography when making these matches through WorkSource? Molly, please keep us updated on how your case goes! I'll probably be filing my refusal in the next day or two and will follow the same documentation approach you outlined.